Your Public Best -Op/23

Brown is well qualified to advise readers how to optimize their image when making a professional appearance: among other positions, she has been chief makeup artist for CBS-TV, has made up all five presidents from Kennedy to Carter and has served as vocal coach for the Voice of America. She offers eminently practical advice on clothing (never wear black, white or red on TV), makeup (do not attempt to highlight cheekbones with rouge), voice (there are exercises to alter pitch and increase resonance), public speaking (know your audience and adapt your talk to its expectations), handling the media (anticipate tough or unfair questions you might be asked). In every situation, be yourself, Brown urges in the summary of this notably helpful guide. (July)